Wing commander farewells, hails honorary commanders

  • Published
  • By Jasmine DeNamur
  • Team Eglin Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Commanders of the 96th Air Base Wing expanded the Eglin family Feb. 18 during an Honorary Commanders Change of Command ceremony at the Armament Museum.

Outgoing honorary commanders were recognized for their service and the incoming honoraries were given their first taste of Air Force life as they each took command of a squadron alongside their military counterparts.

"It's important you understand that taking command is a very sacred honor in the military, and by being here today, you represent a very small percentage of leaders who get selected for this important duty," said Col. Bruce H. McClintock, 96th Air Base Wing commander, to the incoming honoraries.

The honorary commanders program gives members of the local community a unique opportunity to interact with and learn about Eglin's Airmen, their mission and the role they play in supporting the Air Force. In turn, honoraries may invite commanders to community functions, building and maintaining positive relationships between the military and local communities.

The Class of 2009 is composed of a diverse group of community leaders, including a doctor, principal, chef, and county administrator, to name a few. This year's group consists of 23 honoraries - four more than last year's class. Squadrons new to the program include the 96th Medical Operations Squadron, 96th Surgical Operations Squadron, 96th Aerospace Medicine Squadron, and 96th Inpatient Squadron.

"Over the next year, we will partner together and learn from each other to build upon the outstanding relationship between the base and the Emerald Coast Community, said Colonel McClintock.

Honorary commanders are afforded opportunities throughout their tenure to participate in Eglin events, to include awards and change of command ceremonies, send-offs and welcome home gatherings of Team Eglin warriors, base tours, and banquets.

"I am so impressed with the pride, dedication and professionalism of the personnel at Eglin," said Mike Roy, outgoing 96th Mission Support Group honorary commander. "We were given the privilege to see Airmen off for dangerous assignments, and that same pride showed in their families. I can only hope our civilian community can show the same support to our military. It has truly been an honor to serve as an honorary commander."

Interest in the program from the local community was overwhelming.

"This year has been a wave of firsts for the Honorary Commanders Program. In addition to expanding the program, for the first time, we had more nominees than slots to fill," said Colonel McClintock.

To date, the wing's program has produced more than 40 ambassadors within the local community.

"Each and every one of you holds a coveted and very important role in the community. The real test is the knowledge you will learn about Eglin... a lot of that rests on your shoulders to be well versed in one of the most dynamic and diverse missions in the Air Force, and we're going to help make that happen. All we need is some of your time," he said.

Honorary commanders brought their family and friends to witness the ceremony. Almost 100 Airmen, civilians, and family members were in attendance.

"I am extremely honored and excited to have been selected to participate," said Justin Hill, incoming 96th MOS honorary commander. "I look forward to learning more about Eglin operations and the benefits the base provides to the community."



Outgoing Honorary Commanders
Steve Boswell - 96th Dental Squadron
Pamela Bousquet - 96th Mission Support Squadron
Jeff Campbell - 96th Ground Combat Training Squadron
Mark Day - 96th Medical Group
Karen Donaldson - 96th Comptroller Squadron
Robyn Helt - 96th Logistics Readiness Squadron
Kathy Houchins - 96th Air Base Wing Vice Commander
Ron Kelly - 96th Air Base Wing Chief Master Sergeant
Sandi Kemp - 96th Communications Squadron
Gordon King - 796th Civil Engineer Squadron
Anna LaCour - 96th Security Forces Squadron
Sandra Markulin - 96th Civil Engineer Squadron
Kurt Nochowicz - 96th Services Squadron
Paul Palmer - 96th Air Base Wing Director of Staff
Jackie Pilcher - 96th Contracting Squadron
Mike Roy - 96th Mission Support Group
Darlene Taylor - 96th Communications Squadron
Gary Vorbeck - 96th Civil Engineer Group

Incoming Honorary Commanders
Don Abrams - 796th Civil Engineer Squadron
Dr. Samuel Capra - 96th Medical Group
Tim Creehan - 96th Services Squadron
Ed Coleman - 96th Air Base Wing Command Chief
James Curry - 96th Mission Support Group
Dominik Damiano - 96th Civil Engineer Group
Steve Essig - 96th Medical Support Squadron
Cindy Frakes - 96th Communications Squadron
Jeff Harris - 96th Civil Engineer Squadron 
Joseph Hart - 96th Security Forces Squadron
Tim Hester - 96th Logistics Readiness Squadron
Justin Hill - 96th Medical Operations Squadron
Darrel Jones - 96th Contracting Squadron
William Leaman - 96th Air Base Wing Director of Staff
Robert Maloney - 96th Ground Combat Training Squadron
Leah McGill - 96th Surgical Operations Squadron
Michele Nicholson - 96th Communications Group
Susan Shea - 96th Dental Squadron
Nancy Stanley - 96th Aerospace Medicine Squadron
Melinda Stein - 96th Mission Support Squadron
Jason Stokes - 96th Air Base Wing Chaplain
Bart Swan - 96th Comptroller Squadron
Dr. Alexis Tibbetts - 96th Inpatient Squadron